Detailed Answer
Short answer: Yes — you can usually obtain the police crash report for a motor vehicle collision in Mississippi. The agency that investigated the crash (city police, county sheriff, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or another state agency) keeps the report and can provide a copy. Some additional materials (photographs, witness statements, video) may not be provided automatically and may require a formal records request, a fee, or a subpoena in a court case.
This is general information only and not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed attorney.
Who holds the report?
The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the collision prepares and stores the crash report. Common holders include:
- Local city or municipal police departments
- County sheriffs’ offices
- Mississippi Highway Patrol or other state law enforcement
How to get a copy
- Identify the investigating agency. The agency name will be on any citation or paperwork you received at the scene. If you are unsure, call the local police department or sheriff’s office for the crash location or contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) for guidance: https://www.dps.ms.gov.
- Request the report from that agency. Most agencies accept in-person, mail, email, or online requests. You will typically need to provide:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Names of the drivers or vehicles involved
- Report or incident number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
- Pay any required fee. Agencies commonly charge a copying fee or administrative fee for reports.
- Wait for processing. Simple report requests are often fulfilled within days, but more complex investigations or record searches can take longer.
What you will receive
A standard crash report generally contains the investigating officer’s narrative, driver and vehicle information, diagrams, listed contributing factors, basic injury/property-damage descriptions, and citations issued. The level of detail varies by agency and the type of report used.
What you might not get right away
- Witness statements, detailed investigator notes, or raw police audio/video may be withheld until the investigation is closed or for privacy reasons.
- Certain personal identifiers (e.g., driver’s license numbers, Social Security information) are typically redacted under public-records exemptions.
- Surveillance video, in-car cameras, or body-worn camera footage may be retained and released under specific procedures or only in response to a subpoena or court order.
Public-records law and privacy
Mississippi’s public-records laws govern access to crash reports and related materials. The Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) creates a presumption of public access but allows exemptions for certain personal or investigatory information. You can learn more about Mississippi’s statutes and public records rules from the state legislature website: https://www.legislature.ms.gov.
When a fuller record is needed for a claim
If your insurance claim or a personal injury case requires more detailed records than the public crash report provides, you or your attorney can:
- Ask the investigating agency for supplemental materials and explain why they are needed.
- Use the Mississippi public-records request process to request additional items; be specific about the records you seek.
- If the agency refuses or withholds records that are essential to your claim, your attorney can seek the records through litigation — for example, by filing a subpoena in a pending lawsuit.
Practical steps after a crash (for your claim)
- Request the official crash report as soon as you can; insurers often ask for it early in the claims process.
- Keep copies of any citations, photos, medical records, and contact information for witnesses.
- If the report is delayed or incomplete, document your attempts to get it and notify your insurer or attorney.
- If you plan to sue or dispute liability, consult an attorney quickly — they can help obtain investigatory materials and preserve evidence.
Helpful links
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety (general info and how to contact state law enforcement): https://www.dps.ms.gov
- Mississippi Legislature (Mississippi Code and public-records statutes): https://www.legislature.ms.gov
Helpful Hints
- Ask for the report number at the scene or when you speak with officers — it speeds up your request.
- Take screenshots or photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage if you can safely do so; this can supplement the official report.
- If you need body-cam or dash-cam footage, request it promptly. Some agencies retain media for a limited time.
- Expect a small administrative fee for report copies; confirm acceptable payment methods before you go.
- If an insurer requests the report, give them written authorization to get it on your behalf. Insurers commonly obtain reports directly from law enforcement.
- If an agency denies access or unduly delays, consider consulting an attorney who can advise on public-records remedies or issue a subpoena if litigation is appropriate.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.